Client Results and Retention Demonstrate Our Success
we did it for them, so we can do it for you
We know what it takes to deliver annuities, long-term care, and life products successfully to broker-dealers. In 1980s, Steve Gates recognized opportunities to market securities and life insurance commercially. He left a successful NYSE brokerage firm, to join a startup division at SunLife (later SunAmerica). When he founded Clarke in 1992, he realized that broker-dealers could also benefit from its own platform. Michael Denton developed the Financial Institution Marketing Division at Jefferson Pilot, making it the top 10 provider of fixed annuities in the bank marketplace. He joined Clarke as a co-president, bringing significant product development experience. Together, they lead our firm, which serves over 200 financial institutions in the United States, including broker-dealers like yours.
Learn how we deliver profitability and efficiency for broker dealers.
Developing Cutting-Edge Proprietary Annuity Products— In 2009, we were hired by an “A” rated carrier with over $14 billion in assets to consult on the product design for a Deferred Fixed Annuity targeted to the broker-dealer and bank marketplace. Insurers are hesitant to develop proprietary products with financial institutions, because there is a history of failed launches. Carriers usually expect a proprietary program to generate $100 million plus. Our proprietary Deferred Annuity generated the highest first-year premiums over all other products for the carrier, and went from $0 in sales in 2009 to a run rate in excess of $1 billion.
Testimonials
Connie Knox
President Investment Services Wescom Credit Union Pasadena, California
“Twelve years ago, I introduced Clarke to Wescom Credit Union as a partner in our fixed annuity business. Clarke provides the platform for our business – marketing collateral, documentation, and back office support. Their wholesalers work directly with my producers, attend our meetings, provide product training, help close cases and are extremely well-liked. Clarke, with more than 25 years of industry experience, adds value to our Credit Union.”
Richard Lane
The Standard Insurance Company Bellevue, Washington
“Clarke Financial Group is consistently one of The Standard top independent marketing organization, I view them as the closest thing Standard has to a captive partner. We’ve worked with Michael Denton and Steve Gates for the past 10 years — as long as I’ve been with Standard. Not only does Clarke know our business in some respects better than we do, they helped shape and mold our fixed annuity product line from A to Z. Clarke breathes life into Standard, because of its great tenure, industry knowledge, and connections throughout the bank and broker dealer world.”
Lynne Phillips
Director, Director, Licensed Bankers and FMS Insurance Synovus Securities, Inc. Columbus, Georgia
“With 27 years in financial services and 14 years spent at Synovus, I value and appreciate our 10 year relationship with Clarke Financial Group. Ron Tuerk, our External Wholesaler, has excellent product knowledge. He works directly in the field with our agents every week. Naomi Whitmer, Clarke’s Operations Manager, provides me with fast and efficient responses. Most importantly, Clarke’s online account application process is the best I have seen. The Advisor Portal Dashboard with AnnuityXpress results in less NIGOs and is a huge plus to our licensed brokers.”
Gary Campbell
CEO & Chairman Financial Advocates Olympia, Washington
“Business has to be a win-win situation, and with Clarke it is. I’ve worked in financial services since 1987, and with Clarke for the past ten years. The relationship works, because everyone from leadership to wholesaler understands our bank, credit union and advisor relationships. Clarke offers more than product. The wholesaler presence is everywhere, all the time — meeting with advisors, attending our conferences, conducting training — making business easy. ”